Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

What do expats find most challenging?

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We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City. They wrote...

"We used to have a selection of dried herbs/spices/oils/vinegars etc for cooking at home, but very little of that exists here. We don't have time to go shopping for fresh herbs and fresh meat/fish every day like the locals do, so we eat out every night instead. It's cheaper but we miss cooking sometimes. Nothing seems to work in a logical way here. It's as if each organisation is developing in different directions and so unexpected things happen a lot. Vietnamese people can come across as very rude -but only if they don't speak english. They are embarassed to show themselves up. Otherwise, the locals who can speak english are very welcoming and will want you to stay in their country forever," commented one expat who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.

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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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"The traffic is a daunting when you are first exposed. The number one form or travel is motorbike (somewhere between a moped and a motorcycle) and everyone rides them except the ultra rich (cars--usually Mercedes) or students/ultrapoor(the bus---which I prefer actually). Taxis are a cheaper mode of transport, but the bus line is better since its so cheap. Its only drawback is that it stops at 7pm. Back to motorbikes: they put little kids between adults without helmets, and NO ONE follows traffic laws. Crossing the street is a new experience that most Westerners will find really frightening the first time, but you get used to it. Viets are very good at driving motorbikes since they have ridden them all their lives. You will be amazed at what can be transported on motorbike---tile, pigs, drywall, and the occassional refrigerator! Really amazing," remarked another expat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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Other Questions:

What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Ho Chi Minh City, newcomers to Ho Chi Minh City would love to hear your answer to this question.


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Experience affordable luxury at CitizenM hotels, with stylish stays at locations like New York, London and Paris. Smart tech and prime locations make your stay unforgettable.
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CitizenMCitizenM

Experience affordable luxury at CitizenM hotels, with stylish stays at locations like New York, London and Paris. Smart tech and prime locations make your stay unforgettable.
Learn More

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